fringe
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for fringe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A decorative border of hanging threads or tassels.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A decorative border of hanging threads or tassels.
“The lampshade was trimmed with a silk fringe.”
2. adj
Outside the mainstream; unconventional or extreme.
“The film played at a fringe theatre festival.”
Opposites
How to use fringe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fringe benefits
the lunatic fringe
a fringe group
Etymology
From Old French frenge, ultimately from Latin fimbriae ("threads, fringe"); related to the biological term "fimbria".
Full origin of fringe →Frequently asked questions
What does “fringe” mean?
The word “fringe” means a decorative border of hanging threads or tassels. In plain terms, an edge or border (of fabric, of a group, of an area), or in the UK, hair cut across the forehead.
How do you pronounce “fringe”?
“Fringe” is pronounced frihnj (/fɹɪnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fringe” in a sentence?
Here is “fringe” used in a sentence: “The lampshade was trimmed with a silk fringe.”
What part of speech is “fringe”?
Depending on how it is used, “fringe” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “fringe” come from?
The word “fringe” comes from Latin. From Old French frenge, ultimately from Latin fimbriae ("threads, fringe"); related to the biological term "fimbria".
Is “fringe” a common word?
“Fringe” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fringe” have?
“Fringe” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a decorative border of hanging threads or tassels.
What is the difference between fringe and bangs?
Fringe and bangs refer to the same hairstyle: hair cut to hang down over the forehead. Fringe is the British English term, while bangs is the standard American English term for it.
What does fringe mean when describing beliefs or groups?
As an adjective, fringe describes something outside the mainstream, such as unconventional or extreme political views or artistic movements. A "fringe group" or "fringe theory" is one held by a small minority rather than widely accepted.
What is a fringe benefit?
A fringe benefit is a perk provided alongside a person's regular salary, such as health insurance or a company car. The term uses the sense of fringe meaning something additional at the edge of the main package, rather than the central item itself.
